18 August 2012 Last updated at 05:41 ET

British soldier killed while on sentry duty in Afghanistan

The British troop death toll in Afghanistan now stands at 425

A soldier from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards has been killed while on sentry duty in Afghanistan, the MoD has said.

The soldier died in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province during "enemy action" on Friday. His family has been told.

MoD spokesman Maj Ian Lawrence said the military's "thoughts and prayers" were with the soldier's family.

The number of British military deaths since the conflict began in October 2001 now stands at 425.

Maj Ian Lawrence, who speaks on behalf of Task Force Helmand, added: "It is with great sadness I must inform you that a soldier from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards has been killed whilst on sentry duty in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the Task Force are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."